So since it mentions the end of Summer during Ash's Kanto Journey, I'm going to say that Ash and his friends started sometime in April. Also, they will grow up. Right now, everyone is age 10 for now.

Here are the birthdays I found for everyone online. Except for the last three couldn't find anything, so making a guess.

Ash: May 22nd

Justin: May 22nd

Jessie: October 2nd

Gary: April 6th

Leaf: June 1st

Chase: August 5th

Elaine: September 13th

Trace: October 27

Now on to the chapter!

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Ash was in a rush to Professor Oak's lab be, ended up eating fourths of his mom's cooking and now was on a tight deadline to make it to the lab. As he came to a crossroads, he saw Jessie was running in the same direction. At least he wasn't the only one late.

After she released her new Ekans, she spent a lot of time after breakfast getting to know the little fellow. She had to admit, for a young Pokemon who hasn't battled or had too much human contact. Ekans had quite some moves and loved being around Jessie.

Due to the two running at the same pace, they met at the crossroads and started running to the lab next to each other.

"Morning Ash," Jessie greeted.

"Morning, Jessie," Ash replied.

As they reached the lab. Justin, Leaf, and Gary we're standing outside of the door. As Ash and Jessie joined the group, the door was opened a second later.

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"Greetings, everyone," Professor Oak opened the door and stood in front of them; Justin, Leaf, and Gary all turned towards him.  Justin smiled slightly and nodded while Gary had his hands in his pocket, with his typical smirk on his face.

"Morning, Professor," Leaf cheerfully greeted with her bubbly tone as she had a giant smile on her face.

"Morning," Justin smiled as he smiled before looking at Ash shaking his head.'Once again, Ash is not ready to be a trainer. I just don't see how he except to be a Pokemon master.'

"Morning, Gramps," Gary replied with his still his typical smirk on his face.

While both Ash and Jessie we're catching their breath.

"Morning...Professor..." Ash and Jessie said in unison.

The Professor could tell, looking at the two, that they were the late arrivals and, as standard, the new trainers chose their Pokemon in order of arrival.

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"Alright, as I'm sure you all are excited. As of today, your Pokemon journey awaits you," Professor Oak address them."Now, if you would all follow me, please," He continued as he turned around and started walking down the hall.

Justin followed first n the lead, and Ash and Jessie both followed behind. With Leaf followed next as Gary was in the rear of the line with his usual chilled-out posture.

Professor Oak led them into a large room. It had a large computer on the side of the room. I'm the middle. It had a table with three pokeballs on it.

Once everyone was inside, Oak stood next to the table and signaled the new trainers to stand in a line. The order went from Justin, Ash, Jessie, Leaf, and Gary. All were eagerly awaiting to get their starter Pokemon. Professor Oak waited a minute while Daisy Oak, his granddaughter, pushed a metal cart into the room. On top were five pokeballs and a pokedex paired together.

"Trainers, you will not get your starter Pokemon," Professor Oak announced."Together, you'll travel across the lands, meeting and befriending people and pokemon alike, working towards your own dreams."

Jessie sighed to herself at the end. She still wasn't entirely sure of her what she wanted to do as a trainer. She once wanted to be a Pokemon Nurse, doctor, and actress. There were a few ideas, but only two people knew she was still unsure about her dream, Leaf and her father, Maxwell Murrow.

"Daisy is now going to hand you your pokedex and pokeballs. The Pokedex will allow you to research data of any Pokemon you find in the field. Make sure to open up the Pokedex whenever you see a new Pokemon. It will show you its type, stats, and moves and gives information on its natural behavior.  I spent many years studying Pokemon, but I'm old now. That's why I want you kids to fill up the pokedex as much as possible," Professor Oak explained.

Once everyone was settled down, Professor Oak believed it was time to move on to the main event for the new trainers.

"Now, as of tradition, you can choose your Pokemon in order of arrival," The Professor explained."Justin, would you please step forward."

Justin smiled slightly and stepped towards the table, holding the three pokeballs.

"You may choose your partner Justin," Oak said with a smile.

Justin looked over the three pokeballs. Next to each one was the name of the Pokemon held within them. Justin looked over the three pokeballs and smiled. He made his decision a while ago. He was going to follow in his father's footsteps by choosing the same starter and when and when he wins the Indigo league and hopefully make his father proud, improving their relationship.

"Thank you, Professor," Justin said with a bow."I have already made my decision."

"Go ahead, my boy," The Professor replied.

"I chose...Charmander," Justin grabbed the fire-type starter Pokeball with a hand gesture signal from the Professor, he pressed the button in the middle, and the little fire starter appeared on the floor.

Justin kneed down to Charmander's level as the fire type looked at its new trainer.

"Hey there, Charmander," Justin said."Wanna join my team and help me win the Pokemon League?"

Charmander stared at the young boy in front of him, studying his face and seeing that he looked capable of being his new trainer. So Charmander nodded, showing a display of power as the flare on its tail brightened, and it released a battle cry.

"Great. You look strong and battle ready." Drake commented as he pulled out his new pokedex; Leaf did the same.

[Chamander, The Lizard Pokemon.  The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places. It perfers hot areas. When it rains, steam is said I sprout from the tip of its tail. It is a Fire-type and is a Male and has a Modest nature and currently knows the moves Scratch, Growl, and Ember.]

"I must say, Justin," The Professor spoke, getting everyone's attention."With Charmander by your side. You would be the spitting image of your father if you wore similar clothes as him."

Justin bowed and smiled on the inside. The legend of Red Ketchum continues but as Justin Ketchum. With that, he and Charmander walked away from the table as Charmander stood by his foot.

"Hey Justin, I'm sure you two will make a great team," Ash commented with a friendly smile.

Justin took a deep breath, knowing this wasn't the place to start coming off smug and rude, even if he was still nicer than Gary usual is.

'I really don't care what you think, Ash. I'm going to prove myself and win the Indigo League. Now I don't know about you since I can't see you getting that far when you don't use your head to plan out strategies.' Justin thought, glancing at Ash.

"Alright, Leaf will! You, please step on forward?" Professor Oak requested.

Leaf excitedly walked up to the table with a bounce in her step, the professor, at the energetic girl.

"You may choose your Pokemon," Professor Oak said.

Lead wasted no time and quickly grabbed the Pokeball labeled Bulbasaur.

"Well, it seems that you've made your decision," Professor Oak commented at her eagerness.

Leaf blushed in embarrassment. Her eagerness caused her to forget her managers briefly.

"Oh my bad, Professor, thank you," Leaf quickly apologized, followed by a bow in thanks.

She then received the same hand gesture as Justin from the Professor. Leaf pressed the button and released her new partner. Bulbasaur appeared on the floor facing Leaf, who had dropped to her knees.

"Hello, Bulbasuar. I'm Leaf. Do you want to go on an adventure with me?" Leaf spoke at rapid speed, trying and failing to contain her excitement. Bulbasaur, like Charmander, studied Leaf, but this time it only took a couple of seconds before Bulbasaur made his decision.

Bulbasaur let out a happy cry before jumping into Leaf's arms. Leaf's smile only grew as she giggled and hugged the little Pokemon in her arms.

"It seems the two of you are a perfect match," Professor Oak commented with a smile.

Leaf pulled ou her pokedex with one hand and pointed it at Bulbasuar.

[Bulbasaur, The Seed Pokemon. This pokemon feeds on sunlight through the bulb on his back. The size of the bulb shows its health. If in danger, then the bulb will open and release spores as a defense. It is a Grass and Poison type. This Bulbasuar is a male with a Jolly nature, and its known moves are Tackle, Growl, and Vine Whip.]

As the pokedex finished, Leaf managed to pick herself up while still holding and cuddling her new Bulbasuar. She then made her way back to her spot in line. Jessie looked at the little seed Pokemon.

"He is charming. You're going to make a good team," Jessie said with a soft smile.

"Thanks, Jessie. I know that the two of us will have many great adventures together," Leaf replied with glee.

"Well, it figures you would choose a grass-type Pokemon after all; your name is Leaf," Gary smirked, making Leaf stick out her tongue out him.

"Haha, very funny," She said sarcastically.

"Gary. Will you please step forward," The Professor requested.

Gary smirked before stepping up to the table and swiping the Pokeball containing Squirtle. Without a word, he pressed the button and released Squirtle. Unlike the other two, Gary remained standing and looked down at the turtle Pokemon.

"Yo lucky guy, what do you say we conquer the Indigo League together?" Gary arrogantly asked A. He looked at Squirtle.

Everyone looked at Gary, and sweat dropped at his attitude. Hopefully, over his travels, he would lose his arrogance as he travels. Squirtle, like the others, spent time to look over the new trainer in front of it. He seemed to be taking the longest, but in four minutes, it responded.

Squirtle let out a cry as he pounded his shell and made a fist with the other hand. Gary then walked back to his place in line, like Chamander Squrtile stood next to his new trainer foot.

Gary and Leaf both pulled out their pokedex.

[Squirtle, The Tiny Turtle Pokemon. After birth, this Pokemon's back swells and hardens into a shell. If separated, then another shell will form. It can spray powerful jets of water from its mouth. It is a Water type. This Squirtle is a make with a Bold nature. It knows the moves Tackle, Tail Whip, and Water Gun.]

"Now, Ash and Jessica p. You arrived together, so decide among yourself who'll go next," Professor Oak instructed.

"Um. Actually, Professor," Jessie replied, but it came out too softly and quietly.

"Jessie. You can go. Ladies, first and all," Ash smiled as he gestured her to the table.

"No, Ash. I," Jessie tried to respond again but still was inaudible.

"Jessica. Will you please step forward," Professor Oak requested.

"I HAVE A POKEMON!" Jessie shouted, making everyone look at her sudden outburst.

Jessie blushed from embarrassment. She got so annoyed they couldn't hear her that she lost her cool."A package arrived this morning, before my um...mother...she had my uncle beer me a Pokemon and for that one to be my partner Pokemon," She said.

Everyone looked at Jessie. They all heard from her father about what happened to her mother while she was traveling for work, and they didn't need her to say the word of what happened to her mother.

"Very well. Feel free to let it out," Professor Oak said."But I think this Pokemon will be great for you," Jessie said, hoping she would still take it.

Jessie looked at Professor Oak in thought before she pulled out a Pokeball and pressed the button, and out came Ekans, who slithered up Jessie's leg and wrapped it around her neck.

"Wow, such a beauty!" Leaf squealed as Jessie smiled.

'So annoying.' Gary thought, looking at Leaf.

"The two of you will make a lovely team," Ash commented. Jessie blushed slightly before she and Leaf pulled out their Pokedex.

[Ekans, The snake Pokemon. It moves silently and stealthily. Eats eggs of birds, such as Pidgey and Spearow, whole. The older it gets, the longer it grows. At night it wraps its long body around tree branches to rest. It is a Poison type. This Ekans is a female and has Adamant nature. Its known moves are Wrap and Poison Sting.]

"Well, I guess I could take it since Ekans here hasn't battled before, so she could use an experienced partner," Jessie said, stepping forward as Professor Pokeball suddenly headed her Pokeball.

She shrugged her shoulders and pressed the button as suddenly, beautiful silver and white ball of fluff came out of the ball.

"Aw, a real cutie, nice to meet you," Jessie said, smiling down at the small fluff ball as it suddenly jumped into her arms.

Leaf and Jessie once again pulled out their pokedex as she walked back to her spot.

[Eevee, The Evolution Pokemon. Its genetic code is unstable, so it could evolve in various ways. There are only a few alive. This Eevee is a female and has a Timid nature and knows the moves Sand Attack and Tackle.]

"Good. I was hoping you take her because I believe she will be perfect with you," Professor Oak smiled."Ash, if you would please step forward, "Professor Oak requested.

Ash smiled broadly as he stepped up to the table. This was it he us about to meet his lifelong partner who he will travel with, bond with and will go all the way and become the greatest team there ever was. When he stepped forward to the table he saw there was no pokebaslls left. Everyone looked nervous as they noticed this especially Ash.

"Um Professor. There is a Pokemon for me right?" Ash asked a little nervous as he looked at the Professor with pleading eyes.

Professor Oak began to rub the back of his neck. "Well, there is one other Pokemon for me to give. It is a bit different, however. Are you sure you want it?" he asked with an unsure expression.

"YES! Professor, I'll take it."  Ash happily exclaimed. Justin sighed at his younger twin brother energy.

"If you are sure," Professor Oak said as he pushed a button on the side of the table.

'I got a bad feeling about this.' Justin thought.

The center of the table opened up, and a small platform rose out of the opening. On top of the platform was a pokeball with a small lightning bolt on it.

Professor Oak then picked up the Pokeball and gave Ash a serious expression. "Okay, Ash. This Pokemon has had bad experiences with humans in the past. It's very distrustful with humans as a result. I had to work very hard for it to even let me come near it. I am trusting you to give this Pokemon the love and friendship it deserves. Will you do that?"

"I will Professor. You can count on me! This Pokemon and I will become the best of friends!" Ash replied with a smile.

"Alright, very well, Ash. Here you go. I must ask everyone else to stand back a few feet so as not to startle it," Professor Oak said as he gave Ash the Pokeball.

Everyone nodded as they obeyed and stepped back a few feet. Ash then looked to the Pokeball in his hand. Whichever Pokemon was in this Pokeball would become his lifelong partner. Whatever this Pokemon had gone through, Ash would help it overcome it and be the best friend the Pokemon could ask for.

"Here we go," Ash thought aloud as he opened the Pokeball.

The white beam shot out of the Pokeball and landed on the table as it began to take shape. The kids all waited anxiously to see what kind of Pokemon would come out of the Pokeball. The shape of the beam was becoming clearer, and it was soon obvious to everyone that it wasn't going to be a Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle that would come out. The beam finally stopped shooting as the Pokemon began to appear.

The Pokemon was yellow in color and looked like a mouse. It had pointy ears that were tipped with black and one red circle on each of its cheeks. It also had a lightning bolt-shaped tail.

It was a Pikachu.

----------

Everyone stared at the Pokemon that had come out of the Pokeball. They certainly were not expecting a Pikachu to come out. In turn, Pikachu stared uncertainly at everyone around it. It didn't quite know what to make of the situation. It did know that one raven-haired boy was standing a little too close for its liking, though.

Ash, after a few seconds, broke into a wide grin. He then leaned forward to get a little closer."Hello, Pikachu. My name is Ash Ketchum. I heard that you had terrible experiences with people and distrusted them, but I promise you I'm not like that. I'm going to treat you the way you deserve to be treated. Will you give me a chance?"

Pikachu continued to stare at Ash. I didn't believe this kid for one second. It's heard that one before. I heard how people had said they would be nice to it, only to abuse it the first chance they got. Pikachu then promptly turned its back on Ash with a low-toned "Chu" to emphasize that it didn't want anything to do with them.

Gary Oak then smirked as he crossed his arms."What's the matter, Ashy-boy? Can't you even make your first Pokemon trust you? I guess I can say that's to be expected. I don't know what Gramps was thinking trying to give you a Pikachu like that."

Justin sighed, seeing his thoughts were right. At the same time, Leaf and Jessie glared at Gary.

"Ugh!, Gary, you can be such a jerk sometimes. Let's see you try to become friends with it," Leaf defended.

Gary shrugged. "I'm only saying that Pikachu isn't for some run-off-the-mill rookie like Ash. You know he will be miserable with that thing."

Ash decided he would try again. "Don't listen to Gary, Pikachu. I personally think you are so great that you are the best of all. I couldn't be happier to receive you as my first Pokemon."

Ash then reached out to try to give Pikachu a reassuring touch on its back. However, it proved to be a huge mistake.

"Wait, Ash! Be careful, or….," Professor Oak tried to warn, but it was too late.

As soon as Pikachu felt Ash's hand against it, it let out a loud cry and gave off a powerful Thundershock. The bolt engulfed Ash in electricity and caused the other people and Pokemon to hit the floor in an attempt to block the attack.

"Wow. That was a powerful Thundershock," Ash mumbled, a little dazed once Pikachu finished.

"Ash! Are you okay?!" Jessie asked worriedly as she and everyone else stood up again.

"Yeah. I think so," Ash muttered.

"Ash, what were you thinking? That Pikachu is a danger to everyone, didn't you listen to the Professor? You need to get that thing back into its Pokeball before something worse happens!" Justin snapped, annoyed his brother was being reckless.

"I have to agree to Justin on this one, Ash. Let me put Pikachu back into its pokeball, and I can try to find another Pokemon for you," Professor Oak said as he picked up Pikachu's pokeball.

Pikachu looked at the ball fearfully. It hated being inside pokeballs. It just received freedom, and it was already going back in?!

"No. Wait, Professor. It's fine," Ash stepped in before he then turned to Pikachu. "Sorry about that Pikachu. I shouldn't have reached out and startled you like that. That was my fault. I'll try to be more careful from now on. Do you forgive me?"

That got Pikachu's attention. It was expecting Ash to hit it or at least be very angry and yell at it for shocking him, but he was doing just the opposite. He wasn't bothered by it at all and was even apologizing to it and wanted its forgiveness. Maybe this human wasn't as bad as it originally thought. Pikachu still didn't trust Ash, but it decided to give him a break. It turned around to face Ash and nodded its head, signaling it at least forgave Ash.

"That's great! Thanks, Pikachu," Ash replied gratefully before he continued. "Maybe we could start over. I really would like to be your trainer and good friend to a great Pokemon like you. Just give me at least one day. And if you decide you don't want anything to do with me after that, you can go, and I won't try to stop you. What do you say? Want to give this partnership a chance?"

Ash then extended his hand to Pikachu in a gesture of friendship, but Pikachu hesitated. Surely Ash didn't expect it to be buddies with him just because he apologized and was forgiven. On the other hand, he did seem genuine and said he could leave after a day with no questions asked if he didn't like him.

After giving it a bit of thought, Pikachu decided it could provide Ash a single chance. It didn't accept Ash's hand, but it still nodded its head. Pikachu then curled its hands into fists and sparked its cheeks, letting Ash know it still had its guard up.
Taking the hint, Ash decided Pikachu still wasn't ready for him to be too close to it yet unless he wanted to get another Thundershock, but that still didn't stop Ash from grinning broadly.

"Thanks, Pikachu. I understand. I won't try to touch you anymore until you are ready. In the meantime, would you please get inside the Pokeball? I want to take you to my house to introduce you to my mom," Ash requested.

"Pika! Pikachu!" Pikachu cried while it frantically shook its head and waved its arms back and forth. It couldn't stand being in pokeballs, and it would be darned if this kid thought he could get it to go back inside of one.

"Oh? You don't like pokeballs, Pikachu?" Ash asked in concern.

Pikachu shook its head again. It then crouched down in a tight ball and closed its eyes, letting Ash know that it thought pokeballs were cramped and dark, which scared it.

"Well, If that's the case, Pikachu, then you don't have to go in. You can just stay outside and walk beside me? How does that sound?" Ash amended and smiled at Pikachu.

Pikachu was actually surprised. Ash was even not making it get into a Pokeball. This kid was just full of surprises. Maybe it wasn't going to be so bad after, all.

'That is a bad decision.' Justin thought as Ash made his way back to the line with Pikachu following, but he may sure to stay away from the other Pokemon and people.

[Pikachu, The Mouse Pokemon. It keeps its tail raised to monitor its surroundings. If you yank, its tail will try to bite you. When several of these Pokemon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms. This Pikachu is a male and Quirky nature. It knows the moves Thunder Shock, Tail Whip, and Quick Attack.]

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"Hey, Gramps. If we are done here, I'd like to go ahead and start my journey. My cheerleaders are waiting in the car," Gary said, returning Squirtle to its Pokeball.

Justin just returned his Charmander and walked out of Professor Oak's lab to say bye to his mother before settling out for his journey.

"Wait a second, Gary. You have cheerleaders?!" Ash exclaimed.

"Well of course, Ash. They're going to follow me around and see what a real trainer from Pallet Town is like! Not that I would expect you to have any fans, except for those two," Gary sneered and gestured to Leaf and Jessie with his thumb, causing Leaf to blush and Jessie to just glare at him, annoyed.

Seeing Ash's angry expression, Gary's sneer turned into a genuine smile. "Hey, I was just kidding, Ashy-boy. Despite the things I said, I really do wish you luck in your journey and training that Pikachu. Just at least try to keep up with me," he said.

"Yeah. Thanks, Gary. You, too," Ash replied, somewhat surprised that his biggest rival was actually wishing him luck.

Gary then turned to Leaf and Jessie. "The same goes for you two, also. Leaf, as much as you love to explore, I believe you'll have no trouble filling up that pokedex. Jessie, you're going to do amazing things. You will be a great Pokemon trainer and be ready for the Indigo League in no time!"

"Yeah. Thanks, I guess, Gary," Jessie said quietly.

Only her father and Leaf knew she hadn't chosen her goal yet. She enjoyed Pokemon battles, but she didn't even know if she wanted to even compete in the Indigo League.

Gary then turned to leave. "Well, I'm out of here. Hey, Gramps. Tell my family I said bye. I'll give them a call when I get to Viridian." Then, with a small wave, he walked out of the room.

"We should probably be leaving as well. I promised my mom that I would stop by before I left," Leaf suggested before she turned to Bulbasaur. "Are you ready, Bulbasaur?"

The grass Pokemon nodded in response. It was ready for adventure, just like its trainer!

"Yeah, I have to head home as well," Jessie said, returning both of her Pokemon.

"Alright. Why don't we all  walk back together," Ash suggested and then turned to Pikachu. "Hey, Pikachu. I'm going home to introduce you to my mom. I promise you that she isn't a bad person. Are you ready?"

Pikachu pondered on that for just a moment. The boy seemed okay so far, so that must mean his mom can't be that bad of a person either.

"Pika," Pikachu replied, nodding his head.

"Okay. Let's go!" Ash said enthusiastically as he pumped his fist into the air.

As the trio and their Pokemon, who were still out, left the room, they waved goodbye to Professor Oak. "Take care of yourselves, you hear! Keep in touch!" Professor Oak called after them.

"We will!" they answered.

As they neared the exit to the lab, Ash turned to Leaf and Jessie, "Do you two think it's true what Gary said about having cheerleaders and a car?" he questioned.

"He was probably just lying. You know he can be quite cocky. No ten-year-old could have a car or a fan club even if he is the grandson of Professor Oak," Jessie answered.

Once they opened the door, they were met with a whole bunch of noise and cheering. On the side of the road in front of Professor Oak's lab, they saw at least a dozen cheerleaders, complete with the uniform, who were chanting Gary's name repeatedly again. There were also at least one hundred fellow residents of Pallet Town in a line cheering just as hard. Beside them, parked on the side of the road, was a flashy red convertible.

"Gary! Gary! He's the best! Gary! Gary! Beats the rest!" they cheered as Gary passed them and got in the car.

As soon as he was in, all the cheerleaders piled in behind him, which made a really tight fit. The cheerleader that would be driving the car then turned it on and sped off down the road. Some of the people in the crowd dispersed while others chased after the vehicle.

Ash, Jessie, and Leaf, and their Pokemon stood there dumbfounded.

"I guess I was wrong," Jessie mumbled.

🌷🌷🌷🌷

So this is it. In this chapter, everyone got their starter. While Jessie got a second Pokemon to help get her newly bred Ekans a partner to get battle experience from. As I mentioned before, this story will have non-canon chapters to really help build up the plot for this Arc of the series. Ash, Brock, and Misty will capture noncannon Pokemon that I think suit them.

One more thing I was thinking about maybe having abilities added in here even though they aren't introduced in Kanto. I'm still figuring out what I will have Jessie do throughout the Kanto arc, as well as my plans for Team Rocket since Jessie is not a member, and the rest of the trio probably won't be either.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

Next chapter, the journey will begin for Ash and Jessie.